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How To Embrace Your Post Natal Body: Support From Mums On Social Media

Not only has your body changed in all sorts of ways after pregnancy, but afterwards you might have mixed emotions about your “new” post-birth body.

For many different reasons, some mums can feel quite negative about their bodies after giving birth. Social media is often blamed for this.

It can seem like all you see online are pictures of mums who 'bounced back' to their pre-pregnancy bodies in a mere few weeks. Looking at these images can make you feel intimidated and self-conscious about your own body.

But January Harshe, mum of six children and body positive and self care advocate, had enough of it and decided it’s time to speak up.

“Mums come in all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels,” she writes on her personal blog.

“This is not about comparing. This is about becoming united. We do not need to be told we are not good enough. What we need is love, grace, friendship, and support.”

Taking Instagram By Storm

With over 126,000 followers, women from all over the world are sharing their images with hashtags like #postpartum #motherhood, #stopcensoringmotherhood and #4thtrimester. The pictures show how a mum’s body looks like after giving birth to beautiful babies.

A quick search on Instagram shows that almost two million posts with the hashtag #postpartum have been shared.

The Real Side Of Postpartum

The women featured on the Take Back Postpartum Instagram account are all different – just like every birth and pregnancy.

Women are embracing their postnatal stomachs, stretch marks and C-section scars – showing the real side of pregnancy.

“No matter how you birth, #postpartum is full of healing and finding new normals. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. And takes time. More than six weeks. Postpartum is just the beginning …” January writes in the caption of a woman showing her C-section scar while holding her newborn.

All Beautiful

Comments like January’s are hopefully encouraging women from around the world to see the beauty of their bodies rather comparing themselves to a celebrities.

Things that mums have unfortunately been shamed for, are being called beautiful.

“… Then you have a beautiful scar to look at every single day to remind yourself what your body is capable of,” one of the comments under a picture of a woman showing her C-section reads.

Addressing Real Issues

These social posts are also encouraging women to talk openly in the comment sections about mental health struggles (like postnatal depression), how hard it is being a parent – both mentally and physically – and self image.

Some even say they’ve finally found a place on social media where they feel at home.

Do you think this is a good movement? Tell us what you think in the comments below.